what is GRaBS?

• GReen and Blue Space adaptation for urban areas and eco-towns

• three-year project funded under INTERREG IVC Programme - September 2008 to August 2011

• 14 partners from 8 members states representing a broad spectrum of authorities, climate change challenges and with varying degrees of strategic policy and experience

who are the partners?

City of Malmo

Klaipeda University Coastal Research and Planning Institute

Regional Environmental Centre for Eastern Europe (Slovakia)

Province of Styria

Municipality of Kalalaria

University of Catania,

Etnambiente

Province of Genoa

Nieuw-West District, Amsterdam

Southampton City Council

TCPA (Lead Partner)

London Borough of Sutton

Northwest Regional Development Agency

University of Manchester

why are we doing it?

Birchgrove, Swansea Nov09

Cockermouth, Cumbria, Nov09

Mudslides, Sicily, Feb2010Drought, Spain –

frequent!

why are we doing it?

Manchester University ASCUUE research:

Based on the evaporative cooling effects from a matrix of

green corridors, smaller open spaces, street trees, and

green or living roofs and walls

• 10% decrease in urban green leads to a potential 8.2ºC increase in surface temperatures by the 2080s

• 10% increase in urban green will keep temperatures at, or below, current levels until the 2080

GRaBS overall aim

‘to ensure existing and new mixed use urban development is adapted to the impact of climate change through improving local and regional planning policy to put in place green and blue infrastructure;

and to facilitate the much needed exchange of knowledge and experience and the actual transfer of good practice on climate change adaptation strategies to local and regional authorities across Europe’

GRaBS 5 key objectives

1. increase partner expertise on use of green and blue infrastructure

2. identify and influence regional planning policy and delivery mechanisms for adaptation

3. develop and use a risk and vulnerabilities assessment tool

4. develop regional and local adaptation action plans including a high level policy statement

5. improve community awareness and engagement in planning process

SWOTs: some common themes Weaknesses•Lack of public and political awareness/support/interest – need political ‘champions’ to drive for change

•Uncertainty over risks

•Dense urban form limits opportunities for green and blue space (eg Kalamaria)

•Slow local behavioural change

•Focus skewed towards mitigation over adaptation

SWOTs: some common themes

Strengths• Good level of climate change expertise available

• Increasing regulation/legislation/policy/non-statutory docs on relevant issues (eg flood risk/sustainable design)

• European Research programmes to enhance knowledge and exchange of information on climate change issues

• Increased cooperation/coordination between officers/departments and external agencies/environmental organisations

SWOTs: some common themes Opportunities•Revision/renewal of plans (spatial planning/climate change) allows integration of adaptation policy

•Improving stakeholder/community networks

•Use of variety of ‘hooks’ for adaptation due to multifunctional nature of green and blue space, eg attractiveness for tourism / economic competitiveness

•EU Directives as levers e.g. SEA/Floods/Habitats Directives, and Adaptation White Paper/Arhus Convention

SWOTs: some common themes Threats•Economic climate (cut backs) + political climate (e.g. elections)

•Lack of joined-up legislation/clear framework

•Lack of strategic coordination/cooperation

•Pressure for development, urban sprawl threatens effective planning for adaptation measures

•Difficulty in measuring tangible benefits – lack of indicators proving viability of adaptation (need targets to ensure delivery)

adaptation action plans

Overcoming barriers to adaptation responses

Adaptation ‘barriers’

Lack of awareness

Political resistance

Availability and use of data

Resource constraints

Skills shortages

Fragmented organisational structures

Loose stakeholder networks

Lack of Legislation/guidance

AssessmentTool

AAP

Guidance

Expert papers

Exchange ofexperience

Case study database

GRaBSinputs

AdaptationActionPlans

Building AdaptiveCapacity

Delivering Adaptation

Actions

Source: University of Manchester

some achievements:AAP guidance

• A key output is that each partner will produce an Adaptation Action Plan, which will include a High Level Policy Statement

• The High Level Policy Statement will address regional policies and deliver adaptation actions at the regional and local level

• Each Adaption Action Plan will contain a SWOT analysis, the results generated by the Climate Risk Assessment Tool and a list of actions, delivery mechanisms and measurable targets to implement green and blue infrastructure

adaptation action plans

some achievements:tool prototype

– making it easier to aid and support the AAP policy/decision making process

• Each AAP will reflect the results generated by the Climate Change Risk & Vulnerability Assessment Tool

•User Needs & Requirements Analyses completed – now being developed, piloted and refined

•Tool used in AAP development, community engagement, mapping vulnerable groups and infrastructure

some achievements:exchanging knowledge

• Mentoring Visits - timed to help develop AAPs by implementing SWOT Analyses, and gain first-hand knowledge of climate change impacts/solutions in host location

• Workshops, Thematic Seminars & Study Visits – Malmo, Netherlands, Graz, Freiburg, London, Catania

• Project Brochure

• Expert Papers

• Newsletters

• Press Releases

• Extensive Press Coverage

• Presentations at Conferences!

• Website

www.grabs-eu.org

some achievements:raising awareness

further information

Diane Smith

European and Corporate Affairs Manager

Town and Country Planning Association

17 Carlton House Terrace

t: +44 (0)20 7930 8903

www.grabs-eu.org